Well, it’s been quite a fall! Many weeks have passed since I last wrote a blog post as I have been busy (oh,so busy!) teaching, presenting, traveling, writing, not to mention parenting two teenage boys! But I now am grateful for some much needed time to catch my breath and enjoy this festive freedom!

Not blogging does not mean I have not been reading! So I’m happy to share some of the final “new releases” of this year and hoping you will find one or two titles that catch your eye….

Breathtaking wordless picture book told in a similar style to The Arrival (Shaun Tan) and The Snowman(Raymond Briggs). This is the emotional story of a young girl, lost in the winter woods, who is trying to find her way home. Following her magical journey is an emotional rollercoaster: from loneliness and longing to love and joy. Interesting author’s note explaining this book came out of her experiences growing up lonely under China’s one-child policy (recently reversed).

This is an adorable book about tolerance and acceptance that every teacher should read to their class! Great message about what it means to be cool and that it’s not just about being accepted by a group, but being true to yourself and including people that are different. Pop-culturally relevant and very funny.

Amazing celebration of stories. A little girl borrows a beautiful book from her teacher. On her way home, the words seem to fly out. When she arrives home, there are no words so she makes up her own stories for the pictures. We get the beginning of each story for each page… stories within stories. Gorgeous illustrations – this book is magical.

Classic Todd Parr – the “feelings man” – has created a sensitive, touching look at loss as told through the eyes of a fish who has lost his friend. Important reminder that even though we may not have all the answers, we will always have support from those around us.

A magical winter tale that combines The Little Red Riding Hood with Alice in Wonderland in its own unique way. A wonderful story about caring and friendship. Japanese tone – slow, simple and fragile. Illustrations are gorgeous.

Magical middle grade novel is a story of friendship, family and resilience by the author of The One and Only Ivan. Crenshaw is a loud, out-spoken imaginary cat who helps Jackson, a young boy living on the edge of poverty. Beautiful, heartbreaking and amazing.

Thanks for stopping by! Would love to know which book has caught your eye!